Month: June 2016

Working Holiday Visa Requirements – Update

On By EmilyinEarnestIn Ireland, Travel, VisasLeave a comment

Hello all!

Less than two weeks until my arrival in Ireland and I’m just now letting the packing-themed panic set in.

To avoid thinking about outlet converters, sleep schedules and how many pairs of underwear I can fit into one suitcase, I’ve decided to do a post on the newly updated requirements for the Irish Working Holiday Authorization for USA natives.

So, a little while ago I posted about the various requirements for a United States college student/graduate to be able to work abroad in Ireland. While most of the requirements hold true to my previous write up, there have been a few changes made, which are reflected in their new website format.

To clarify these, I’ll list out all the requirements below…

  1. The first step is completing the application page provided by the Irish Consulate which can be found at this link. It’s pretty basic information and can be filled out fairly easily.
  2. A photocopy of the applicant’s US passport, which must be valid for the entirety of the stay in Ireland.
  3. Two identical passport photos with the applicants name on the back. These can be done at most CVS or Walgreens stores.
  4. A current resumé with at least TWO references (before it said “references” and now it stipulates the number).
  5. Evidence that the applicant is in secondary-education or has graduated in the past twelve months. I ordered a copy of my official transcript from my university as proof.
  6. An original bank statement proving that you have at least $4,000 (this is also different, before it was you needed proof of either $4,000 or a return plane ticket and proof of $2,000).
  7. A money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks) for the allotted amount based on which embassy you are sending your application to.

Finally, if your application is accepted which should take anywhere between 6-12 weeks, you have to send them further materials including…

  1. Return airline ticket (which doesn’t have to be back to your original country, just out of Ireland).
  2. Certificate of health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Ireland (check with your insurance company on their policy for travel abroad and see if they can email you an official proof of coverage document).
  3. The applicant’s Passport.

So there you have it! I didn’t want anyone to read my previous post and think they were sending the wrong documents. Make sure to send your info early, as mine took eight weeks to process! Any questions don’t hesitate to comment.

~Irish Consulate Website Link~

 

 

Working Holiday in Ireland – Next Steps

On By EmilyinEarnestIn Ireland, Travel, VisasLeave a comment

I have finally received my Irish Working Holiday Authorization! After many emails and calls to the consulate and more than one mini panic attack, I have in my hand the laminated piece of paper that will give me the ability to work for an entire year. 

I sent the application in March 18th and received my acceptance on May 25th. At this point I was required to send the consulate copies of my plane tickets (to and from Ireland) as well as proof of insurance for the duration of my time period there.

After emailing them the same day with copies of the documents requested, I was pleased to discover my WHA in my hands by May 27th! 

All in all it took a little over eight weeks to get approved. So, if you’re planning your year abroad, make sure to apply at least 2 months ahead of your departure date. It seems it was actually a blessing in disguise that I didn’t do the Au Pair position I initially hoped for, because both my passport and working authorization wouldn’ve still been processing within the Irish Consulate!

So, now that the WHA is all sorted, I’ve also secured my spot for Stint Ireland. A group that helps coordinate internships and gap years for college students and recent grads!

I officially booked my place with them, including a room in one of their awesome Stint Houses in a trendy little part of Dublin called Portobello!


So things are on the up and up and I can’t wait for my new departure date June 27th!

**Side note — in an earlier post, when I was first applying for my visa, I was wondering whether I needed to provide proof of a flight all the way to your home country (which is the United States in my case) or just out of Ireland. I finally got my answer, which is it just has to be out of Ireland not necessarily back to your country of origin.